Toronto FC’s #77 Did the Impossible — Goalkeeper ADISA DE ROSARIO Broke Soccer and Made His Dad Proud!
When you scan Toronto FC’s roster, Adisa De Rosario jumps out. He’s just 20, a goalkeeper wearing #77, and he’s already making waves. Born in San Jose, California, but raised in Toronto, he came up through the Toronto FC Academy before landing with the first team. He signed a Homegrown contract through 2026, with options for 2027 and 2028, and he’s already carving out his spot in Major League Soccer (Toronto FC announcement).
His journey feels relatable—it’s not just raw talent, it’s about progress. He started in the academy back in 2015, spent time with Toronto FC II, and even went out on loan in the Canadian Premier League. Each step built his career slowly and steadily.
The family connection adds another layer. He’s the son of MLS legend Dwayne De Rosario, a name that carries weight in Toronto soccer. But Adisa’s story is about his own saves and his own impact. He’s blending legacy and ambition, and honestly, it’s pretty fun to watch him rise.
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Adisa De Rosario: Player Profile
He’s a young goalkeeper with both family legacy and his own drive. Toronto FC’s academy shaped his early years, and he’s grown in Major League Soccer under some pressure that comes with the first-team shirt.
Personal Background
Adisa Ajahni-Onifade De Rosario was born on October 27, 2004, in San Jose, California. Growing up in a soccer household, with former Toronto FC captain and Canada Soccer Hall of Famer Dwayne De Rosario as his dad, he got early exposure to the pro game.
His career path feels familiar if you follow MLS youth stories. He joined the Toronto FC Academy, developed as a goalkeeper, and signed a homegrown contract with the first team in February 2025. That made him the 35th academy player to make the senior squad.
He’s American by birth, but his family roots are deep in Canadian soccer. That mix gives him a unique spot in MLS, especially since Toronto FC leans hard on homegrown talent.
He also attended Toronto Metropolitan University, juggling school and academy life. That helped him build discipline off the pitch, a trait that’s stuck with him as a pro.
Physical Attributes
At 6’3”, De Rosario has the size you want in a modern goalkeeper. He covers the goal well, and his wingspan helps him out in aerial duels.
He plays with quick reflexes and solid positioning. He’s not just tall—he’s coordinated, so he reacts fast to close-range shots. Coaches mention his calmness under pressure, especially when he’s dealing with crosses or organizing the defense.
His athletic profile fits MLS. He’s agile and strong, able to dive low for saves but still command his box on set pieces. That mix is key for his role as a starting goalkeeper.
Key Physical Data
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’3” |
| Weight | 185 lbs |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Dominant Foot | Right |
Jersey Number and Position
You spot him by the number 77—not exactly a classic goalkeeper’s number. Most keepers go with 1 or 13, but De Rosario chose something different, following the new trend of non-traditional numbers in MLS.
As a goalkeeper, he’s more than a shot-stopper. He’s the last line of defense and often the first spark for an attack. His distribution with his feet stands out, helping Toronto FC build from the back.
He signed a first-team deal through 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028. That shows the club really trusts him as a homegrown keeper.
Every match, you see him organizing the defense, directing traffic, and taking charge in the box. His number might be unusual, but his job is as classic as it gets.
For more on his signing, check his Toronto FC first-team contract.
Career Path and Club Journey
He’s a goalkeeper who’s climbed every step, starting in local youth soccer and moving into the pros. His progress comes from training, competition, and grabbing every chance along the way.
Youth Development and Early Years
Adisa De Rosario started out in San Jose, California, but his soccer roots grew in Toronto after his family moved. His background connects him to the game through his dad, Dwayne De Rosario, one of MLS’s all-time greats.
He attended York University in Toronto, splitting his time between studies and early training. That gave him a solid foundation on and off the field.
By 2015, he was already in pre-academy sessions with Toronto FC. Those early years were about building habits, learning positioning, and figuring out the demands of being a goalkeeper.
That period wasn’t about winning—it was about learning the ropes and preparing for what was next in the Toronto FC system.
Toronto FC Academy Progression
His time in the Toronto FC Academy stands out for its consistency. He joined in 2015 and stuck around, moving through the age groups. That kind of stability helped him grow under coaches who knew his game inside and out.
The Academy put him up against top Canadian and American talent. He learned to handle faster play and tougher attackers.
During that time, he also got a short-term development contract with the Halifax Wanderers in 2022. That gave him his first taste of pro soccer in the Canadian Premier League, where he debuted against Forge FC.
That experience boosted his confidence. He showed he could handle senior-level pressure, which set him up for a smooth move to Toronto FC II.
Toronto FC II and MLS Next Pro Experience
He stepped into Toronto FC II in 2023 and finally got regular minutes in MLS Next Pro. That season mattered—he made 25 starts and racked up 55 saves. The stats show he got both the chance and the performance.
2023 TFC II Statistics
| Matches Played | Starts | Saves | Loan Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 25 | 55 | 4 (York United) |
He also spent time on loan with York United in the Canadian Premier League, adding four more starts. That mix of MLS Next Pro and CPL action exposed him to different playing styles.
In 2025, Toronto FC signed him to a Homegrown contract through 2026, with options for 2027 and 2028. That’s a clear sign the club believes in his journey from academy prospect to first-team goalkeeper.
His path through TFC II shows why development leagues like MLS Next Pro matter. Consistent match action got him ready for the jump to Major League Soccer.
For Toronto FC, that means they’ve got a goalkeeper who knows the club’s identity and has already played across several pro levels.
Toronto FC First Team Involvement
You’re now seeing a young goalkeeper step into a senior role with Toronto FC after years of steady progress. His journey comes from his academy background and his early pro experience in MLS Next Pro and the Canadian Premier League.
Signing as a Homegrown Goalkeeper
Toronto FC signed Adisa De Rosario to a first-team contract in February 2025 as a Homegrown goalkeeper. The deal runs through 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028, giving the team some long-term flexibility. He became the 35th player from the academy to get a first-team contract.
De Rosario joined Toronto FC’s academy in 2015 and spent nearly a decade moving through the age groups. By 2023, he’d earned a spot with Toronto FC II in MLS Next Pro, making 25 starts and logging 55 saves. That same year, he went on loan to York United in the Canadian Premier League, picking up valuable first-team minutes.
He played college soccer at San Diego State University and signed a short-term development deal with Halifax Wanderers in 2022. That led to his pro debut against Forge FC in the CPL. Each step pushed him closer to being ready for MLS.
Contract Details
- Length: Through 2026
- Club Options: 2027, 2028
- Status: Homegrown Player
Role in the 2025 Season
In 2025, De Rosario entered the season as part of Toronto FC’s goalkeeping crew, wearing the number 77. At just 20, he’s more of a developmental option behind the veterans, but his place on the roster shows the staff trusts his growth.
You can expect him to split time between first-team training and fighting for minutes in secondary competitions. The club talks up his potential, pointing to his quick reflexes and calm presence in the net.
His Toronto FC II numbers give you a sense of his game:
| Season | Team | Matches | Saves | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Toronto FC II | 25 | 55 | 6 |
| 2023 | York United (loan) | 4 | 13 | 1 |
If you’re a supporter, patience is key. Toronto FC has invested in his development, and 2025 is about getting him ready to eventually compete for the top spot.
Loan Spells and Professional Experience
Adisa De Rosario picked up valuable experience through loan moves in the Canadian Premier League. These stints gave him real minutes in competitive matches and helped shape his path before reaching Toronto FC’s senior squad.
Halifax Wanderers Loan
In 2022, De Rosario made his first professional loan move to the Halifax Wanderers. It was a short stint, but it introduced him to the Canadian Premier League. He made one appearance, which gave him a taste of the pro game’s pace and physicality.
That single outing mattered for a young keeper still learning the ropes. Even with limited minutes, training with a first-team squad every day helped him adjust to senior soccer.
The Halifax loan also let Toronto FC staff see how he handled pressure outside the academy. For a player who came up through Toronto FC II, that was a big test.
Halifax Wanderers Loan Snapshot
| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Saves | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Halifax Wanderers | CPL | 1 | N/A | 0 |
York United Loan
In 2023, De Rosario joined York United on a short-term loan. This run was more significant, with four starts in the Canadian Premier League. Across those games, he made 17 saves, picked up two wins and a draw, and made a big one-on-one stop against Joao Morelli.
Unlike Halifax, this loan gave him steady minutes. You could see his confidence grow as he faced more shots and managed the pressure of live games. It wasn’t just about stopping shots—it was about leading the back line and keeping cool late in matches.
York United needed help after Eleias Himaras went down with a meniscus injury. When Himaras returned, De Rosario’s loan ended, and he went back to Toronto FC II. Even so, that experience proved he could handle being a starter at the pro level.
York United Loan Snapshot
| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Saves | Wins | Draws | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | York United | CPL | 4 | 17 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Family Legacy and Influences
Adisa De Rosario’s path didn’t just happen by accident—it’s shaped by both guidance and a bit of healthy competition. His dad’s career set a high bar, and his brother’s rise as a forward adds some extra fuel. Each of these influences nudges Adisa in a different way as he finds his own footing as Toronto FC’s young goalkeeper.
Dwayne De Rosario: Father and MLS Legend
It’s impossible to talk about Adisa’s development without mentioning his father, Dwayne De Rosario. Dwayne’s one of the most decorated players in Major League Soccer history—he racked up 104 MLS goals, won four MLS Cups, and took home the league MVP award in 2011. He even landed on the league’s list of the top 25 players ever.
Adisa spent his childhood watching his dad compete at the very top. That kind of exposure gave him a head start on understanding what pro soccer demands. Dwayne built his name as a goal scorer, but he supported Adisa’s choice to become a goalkeeper, even if it caught him off guard at first.
These days, Dwayne serves as a club ambassador for Toronto FC, staying close to the scene where his son now plays. Adisa honors his dad’s legacy by wearing No. 77, a nod to the numbers Dwayne wore over the years.
| Player | MLS Goals | MLS Cups | MVP Awards | Best XI Selections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwayne De Rosario | 104 | 4 | 1 (2011) | 6 |
Sibling Rivalry with Osaze De Rosario
Competition at home keeps Adisa on his toes. His older brother, Osaze De Rosario, plays as a forward for the Seattle Sounders. Osaze scored his first MLS goal in July 2025 against Atlanta. Not long after, he put away another in Leagues Cup play against a Mexican club.
The brothers talk often, catching up before and after games. Their relationship mixes support with a dash of rivalry. While Adisa tries to keep goals out, Osaze’s job is to put them in. Their positions couldn’t be more different, but that only helps them learn from each other.
When Osaze scored, he celebrated with their father’s classic “shake and bake” move. That moment really shows how the De Rosario family keeps making their mark on MLS—whether it’s scoring or saving goals.
Recognition and Notable Achievements
Adisa De Rosario’s career stands out not just because he’s moving up through the Toronto FC system, but also because he’s getting noticed in some tough competitions. His performances in league play and showcase events show real growth as a goalkeeper and prove he can handle pressure.
MLS Next Pro Goalkeeper of the Month
During his time with Toronto FC II, De Rosario grabbed attention in MLS Next Pro thanks to his steady play. He earned the Goalkeeper of the Month award, which goes to players who put up impressive numbers across several matches.
He picked up the honor after a stretch where he made big saves and showed good decision-making. Coaches and analysts called out his calm presence and quick reactions as reasons he stood out from other young keepers.
The stats tell the story:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Saves | 55 |
| Matches Started | 25 |
| Clean Sheets | 7 |
| Save Percentage | 74% |
These numbers really back up his ability to manage games at a pro level. The award also put him on Toronto FC’s first team radar, and he signed a homegrown contract through 2026, with options for 2027 and 2028.
Participation in Goalie Wars
You probably noticed De Rosario grabbing attention for his role in Goalie Wars, that wild skills competition where keepers really get to show off their reflexes, distribution, and shot-stopping. The organizers picked him for the 2025 Goalie Wars cast, which says a lot about how people view him—as one of the most promising young goalies in North America.
This event let him show off his athleticism in a totally different way. Goalie Wars isn’t like your typical league match. Instead, it throws keepers into a head-to-head battle where quick thinking and accuracy count for more than any team tactics.
For a 20-year-old, stepping into that spotlight meant a chance to put his skills on display right in front of fans and scouts. It pretty much told everyone he’d developed enough to hang with other top prospects.
De Rosario didn’t just show up—he excelled. That performance made it clear his game isn’t limited to regular matches. Getting picked for Goalie Wars really boosted his profile in MLS and made it obvious Toronto FC sees him as part of their long-term plans.
